How Does Exercise Help Women Lower Cancer Risk?

A recent study gives hope to any woman wanting to lower cancer risk: by simply adding an hour of moderate physical activity to each day, women can reduce their risk for breast cancer.

The latest research out of France analyzed studies covering more than 4 million women and discovered that more active women were less likely to develop breast cancer. The most active women, logging an hour or more of exercise per day, saw the most benefit, lowering their cancer risk by 12%.

Still, there was a lower risk of cancer in all women who were active, regardless of age, race, and how many years they were physically active.

How exactly does exercise lower cancer risk? Here are the details!

Exercise & Lower Cancer Risk

What Cancers Are Involved?

Exercise has been linked to lowering cancer risk in the following cancer types:

Breast cancer

Colorectal cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that people who exercise on a regular basis lower their colorectal cancer risk by 40 – 50% compared to those who do not participate in regular physical activity.

Insulin resistance. Produced in the pancreas, insulin is the hormone responsible for helping the body convert blood sugar to energy. When you develop insulin resistance, your blood sugar rises and puts you at higher risk for certain cancers. Exercising regularly can prevent or lessen insulin resistance.

Immune system health. Even just moderate exercise — brisk walking and biking, for example — improves your immune system health. A healthy immune system is key for fighting off infections and diseases that increase cancer risk.

Hormones. When your body is inactive, you’re at greater risk for cancers that spread using hormones, like breast and uterine cancers, due to higher estrogen levels.

Lower Cancer Risk With TITLE Boxing Club

The evidence is clear: adding even just an hour of exercise to your weekly routine can lower cancer risk. Make the most of that 60 minutes with a Power Hour fitness class at TITLE Boxing Club! Our calorie-busting boxing and kickboxing classes will help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cancer risk.